foodcost.xls
Version 1.0 September 2009
Food Waste Management Cost Calculator
The Food Waste Management Calculator estimates the cost competitiveness of alternatives to food waste disposal, including source
reduction, donation, composting, and recycling of yellow grease. Specifically, the calculator (1) develops an alternative food waste
management scenario based on: your waste profile, availability of diversion methods, and preferences; and (2) compares cost estimates for
a disposal versus an alternative scenario. The Cost Calculator demonstrates that environmentally and socially responsible food waste
management is cost-effective for many facilities and waste streams. The more you know about your current waste management costs, the
more accurate the calculator's estimate will be, but default values are provided for many variables.
To use this Cost Calculator, navigate to the Inputs tab. There you will specify your type of organization (Grocery Store, Hospital, K-12
School, Restaurant, University, Prison, or Other Institutional Cafeteria); types and quantities of food waste; and availability of food recovery
method(s). The Inputs tab has notes and instructions to guide you.
Based on your inputs and associated costs, the Cost Calculator tab displays the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 10-year costs associated with food waste
disposal versus an alternative scenario developed for your facility.
The Cost Data tab provides default data including composting cost data and transportation costs. Users are encouraged to provide their
own data for these costs if available. Cost data collected from sources dated before 2008 are adjusted for inflation.
The Cost Graphs tab graphically portrays the changes in cost over time between the baseline and alternative scenarios developed for your
facility based on your inputs and Cost Calculator results.
The Benefits tab provides a summary of the environmental and other benefits associated with food waste diversion.
The Composting Environmental Benefits tab estimates changes in variety of environmental measures based on the alternative scenario
developed for your facility. This tab only measures changes resulting from composting preferences selected on the Inputs tab. The tab also
provides a link to EPA's WAste Reduction Model (WARM), which estimates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of baseline and alternative
waste management practices. You may enter the results of the Cost Calculator into WARM to estimate the change in GHGs from the
baseline to the alternative scenario from composting.
The Summary tab provides brief review of the alternative food waste scenario based on your inputs and preferences, and summarizes the
scenario's financial and environmental results compared to the baseline.
The Resources tab provides a summary of EPA's food waste hierarchy, as well as descriptive information and links to additional resources,
including resources on the local availability of alternative food waste management methods.
The Default Cost Data tab is a static version of the Cost Data tab. Refer to it if you change default data in the Cost Data tab, and
subsequently want to re-enter default values.
The Lookup tab contains calculator programming.
The Waste Logbook tab provides an example of a food waste tracking spreadsheet that you can use to better characterize the quantity and
nature of your food waste. Tracking food waste over time can help identify areas in which your operations can reduce food waste and
achieve cost savings.
Final Note: Macros need to be enabled for the calculator to work properly. Each time you run the calculator, you should save the
file under a different file name to maintain a complete record. The file name will appear at the top of each printed page.
Please direct questions or comments on this cost calculator to: Jean Schwab, U.S. EPA, schwab.jean@epa.gov, 703-308-8669
&EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009.xls
Food Waste Management Inputs



What type of facility are you? Grocery Store
Choose the facility type that best fits the description of your business.
How many pounds of non-perishable food waste do you generate per week?
0
Food Waste Definitions:
- Non-Deri sh able food waste- su rpl u s food th at does n ot requ ire refri aerati on. Non-persh abl e food waste is eli aibl e for food ban k don ati on.
What percentage of non-perishable food waste are you willing to source reduce?
0%
- Pre-consumer Dreoared/whole food waste- surolus coi
consumer prepared/whole food waste is eligible for fooc
ked foods and prepared meals that have not been purchased or plated. Pre-
rescue.
food preparation, such as fruit rinds, vegetable scraps, and meat trimmings,
waste your facility generates per week, review the Waste Generation table on the Cost
How many pounds of pre-consumer prepared/whole food waste do you generate per week?
0
- Post-consumer Dlate waste - food that is Dlated but no
What percentage of pre-consumer prepared/whole food waste are you willing to source reduce?
0%
If you are having trouble determining the quantity of fooc
How many pounds of pre-consumer trim waste do you generate per week?
0
Source Reduction and Food Waste Tracking:
Source reduction, the practice of reducing the overall volume of food waste generated, leads directly to cost savings, avoided purchases, and
subsequent waste hauling fees. Many institutions have succeeded at source reduction by decreasing portion sizes, eliminating food service trays i
cafeterias, and using a la carte menus. To achieve source reduction, many facilities will require some form of food waste tracking. Paper tracking
is simple and inexpensive, but may be time consuming and less accurate than automated tracking. Automated tracking can more expensive, but is
likely more effective at targeting wasteful practices. A typical automated system costs $600 per month, and may typically result in source reduction
of 3% or more. The costs of food tracking have not been incorporated into this calculator; however, facilities looking to achieve cost
savings from source reduction should consider these costs. Enter your source reduction goals for each food waste category in the cells to th<
left. For more information, see Source Reduction and Food Waste Tracking on the Resource tab, or click this cell.
What percentage of pre-consumer trim waste are you willing to source reduce?
0%
How many pounds of post-consumer plate waste do you generate per week?
0
What percentage of post-consumer plate waste are you willing to source reduce?
0%
How much yellow grease do you generate per week?
0

Y el low grease consists ot used trying oils. Y ewllow grease does not include trap grease. 1 he amount ot yellow grease
OUnaS ~ generated per week can be entered in pounds or gallons. Choose the appropriate unit in the drop-down box on the left.
What is your averaqe purchasing cost per pound for non-perishables?
$0.00
Purchasing costs per pound by food category may vary greatly depending on the size of your facility and menu. A food/waste audit could help you
determineyourfacility-specificcostsperpound. LeanPath, Inc. estim ates th at median cost across all f ood categori es i s $ 1.17 per pound. If costs
per pound data is not available for your facility, you may wish to enter Lean Path's estimate for each food category located on the right.
What is your averaqe purchasing cost per pound for pre-consumer prepared/whole foods?
$0.00
What is your average purchasing cost per pound for foods that comprise trim and plate waste ?
$0.00
Non-Perishable Food

Does your facility have access to a local food bank that will accept non-perishable foods?
No ~
To locate a local food bank near you, visit http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx or click this cell.




Food Rescue

Does your facility have access to a local food rescue service that accepts prepared meals?
No ~

Food rescue, also called food recovery, is the practice of safely retrieving edible food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to those ir
need. For more information, see Food Rescue on the Resources tab or click this cell.
Feeding Animals
No ~

Do you have access to a local farm that accepts food scraps to feed animals?
For more information on feeding animals, see Food Diversion to Animal Feed on the Resources tab, or click this cell.
Compostinq

Does your facility have the ability to compost outdoors at your site?
No ~
No ~
No ~
You can create a compost pile at your facility, depending on your available outdoor space. For more information, see On-site Outdoor Composting
on the Resources tab, or click this cell.
Are you willinq to purchase and operate an in-vessel composter at your facility?
In-vessel composting requires the purchase of a special composting vessel designed to promote the airflow and temperature necessary for enclost
composting. For more information, see In-Vessel Composting on the Resources tab, or click this cell.
Do you have access to off-site composting?
Off-site composting requires accessibility to a local composting facility that will accept food waste. For more information, see Off-Site Composting
on the Resource tab, or click this cell.
How much, if anythinq, are you paid per pound, for compost you are able to sell?
$0.00
This cell does not apply for off-site composting. If you
select off-site composting. Leave this cell blank.
Composting Method
Estimated Total
Savings per Year
Cost Effective
Over 10 Years
Of the composting methods available, select the one that you would you prefer to use
at your facility? Choose a blank space if you prefer not to compost.
This answer is required for the calculator to work properly.

To assist in determining which composting method
might work best for you, the table to the right indicates
cost savings associated with each available composting
method. Note that some methods may not be cost-
effective.
Outdoor
N/A
Not Available
In-Vessel'
N/A
Not Available

Off-Site
N/A
Not Available
*ln-Vessel Costs do not include initial cost of composter.
**Estimates do not include separation costs until preferred composting method is
selected. Negative results reflect increased costs.
Yellow Grease

Does your facility have access to a biodiesel collection or processing service?
No ~
For more information on yellow grease recycling, see Industrial Uses — Yellow Grease on the Resources tab, or click this cell.


How are your hauling fees calculated? I By We'9ht
Choose the waste hauling fee structure that best matches your facility's operations.
How much are you charged per ton hauled?


Are you charged an annual rental fee for your hauling container(s)?
*



Would you be willing to purchase a pulper to reduce the weight of your food and reduce your
hauling fees?
No »
By default the Food Waste Calculator assumes that pulpers reduce weight of food waste by 20 percent. Actual reductions vary by the type and siz
of pulper and food waste processed. For example, food with a high water content (e.g., fruit) will release more water in the pulping process than
food with low water content (e.g., high fat foods). To adjust the weight reduction percentage, click this cell.

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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009.xls
Food Waste Management Cost Calculator
Costs are Cumulative

Non-Perishable Food Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Pre-Consumer Prepared/Whole Food Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Pre-Consumer Trim Waste and Post-Consumer Plate Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Yellow Grease
$0
$0
$0
$0
Fixed Cost of Disposal (i.e., Fixed Hauling Costs)
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total Cost of 100% Disposal
$0
$0
$0
$0



Alternative Scenario: Source Reduce, then use Cost-Effective
Waste Management Strategies, Dispose of Remaining Waste 1 Year 3 Years 6 Years 10 Years
Food Waste Separation
$0
$0
$0
$0
Initial Cost of Pulper
$0
$0
$0
$0
Initial Cost ofln-Vessel Composter
$0
$0
$0
$0
Non Perishable Food Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Food Waste Diversion Strategy: Disposal
Pre-Consumer Prepared/Whole Food Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Food Waste Diversion Strategy: Disposal
Pre-Consumer Trim Waste and Post-Consumer Plate Waste
$0
$0
$0
$0
Food Waste Diversion Strategy: Disposal
Yellow Grease
$0
$0
$0
$0
Food Waste Diversion Strategy: Disposal
Fixed Cost of Disposal (i.e., Fixed Hauling Costs)
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total Cost of Alternative Management Methods
$0
$0
$0
$0


Cost Savings from Source Reduction
(i.e., Lower Purchasing Costs)
$0
$0
$0
$0
Cost Savings: Alternative Scenario Compared to Baseline
Scenario [ = Row 9 - Row 24]
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total Savings: Alternative Scenario and Source Reduction
Compared to Baseline Scenario [= Row 27 + Row 28]
$0
$0
$0
$0
Notes on Baseline Costs:
- If both prepared/whole food waste and
trim/plate waste are being composted in-
vessel, costs are split evenly between the
two categories.
Notes on Alternative Scenario Costs:
-	Negative values represent net cost
savings associated with the alternative
scenario (i.e., if savings from donations
and selling compost are higher than the
costs).
-	If both prepared/whole food waste and
trim/plate waste are being composted in-
vessel, costs are split evenly between the
two categories.
-	Food separation costs include the cost of
toters, liner bags, and staff training. See
Food Separation costs on the Cost Data
tab, or click this cell.
Notes on Cost Comparison:
- Negative values represent net costs
associated with alternative scenario.








Baseline Scenario
0
-
-
Alternative Scenario
0
0
0
To view a summary of the
alternative scenario, including
potential cost savings and
environmental benefits, see the
Summary tab, or click this cell.

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Food Waste Management Cost Data
EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009.xls





Supermarkets
n/a
5 to 45
1 to 10
Data provided by Priscilla Hayes, Environmental
Coordinator, Rutgers University on Oct. 24, 2008
Hotels
1 to 1.5
10 to 30
2 to 7
Catering Halls
1 to 1.5
8 to 30
2 to 7
Institutions
0.75 to 1
5 to 30
1 to 7
Restaurants
0.5 to 1.5
4 to 20
1 to 5
Hospitals
0.5 to 1
8 to 14
2 to 3
Nursing Homes
0.75 to 1
3 to 9
1 to 2
Corporate Offices
0.5 to 0.75
3 to 8
1 to 2






Initial Cost
$
$39,000.00
John Willis, BWOrganics, November 4, 2008.
These figures will not be accurate for facilities
generating over 500 pounds of food waste per
day. If your facility generates more than that
amount, please enter your own data in the green
cells to the left.
Energy Cost
$/ton
$40.00
Dr. Nicholas Smith-Sebasto, Montclair University.
October 23, 2008
Repair Cost
$/Year
$250.00
John Willis, BW Organics, November 4, 2008.
Maintenance Cost
$/Year
$120.00
John Willis, BW Organics, November 4, 2008.
Labor Cost
$/ton
$53.41
Dr. Nicholas Smith-Sebasto, Montclair University.
October 23, 2008
Pulping Costs





Initial Cost
$
$24,062
In-Sink-Erator Customer Service. October 16,
2008. This data is for the In-Sink-Erator WX-300.
In-Sink-Erator was unable to provide a cost
estimate for the energy cost of the WX-300.
Therefore, the value that Hobart provided for the
WastePro 1200 is used for both the WastePro
1200 and the WX-300
Capacity
pounds/hour
700
Energy Cost
$/ton hydrated
food
$1.07
Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009.





Initial Cost
$
$40,000
Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009. This data is
for the WastePro 1200

Capacity
pounds/hour
1,250
Energy Cost
$/ton hydrated
food
$1.07








Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
Hobart tests of the WPS have showed the weight



August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009
of the pulped waste are reduced by 10-30
Reduction
%
20%

percent





Gas and Vehicle Maintenance
$/Mile
$0,585
U.S. General Services Administration. Privately
Owned Vehicle Mileage Reimbursement Rates.
August 1, 2008.

Driver Wage
$/mile
$0.33
Arabe, K.C., Driver Pay Significantly Affects
Safety: Industrial Market Trends. December 12,
2002.
If you have your own data on driver wage, enter il
in cell C21.

Initial Cost of toters, printing
materials, and training
Initial Cost to
Separate 1 ton
of food waste
per day
$1,100
Massachusetts Supermarket Composting
Handbook, p. 3-5.
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/smhand
bk.pdf
Annual Cost of 30-gallon trash
liner bags
Annual Cost to
Separate 1 ton
of food waste
per day
$1,200

Wage
$9.54
May 2007 National Occupational and Wage Estimate for Food
Preparation and Serving. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
http://www.bls.goV/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#b35-0000





Pounds food


Food Waste to Compost
waste
Pounds Compost
0.2
Yellow Grease
Gallons
Pounds
7.7
Inflation Adjustment Table
One Dollar in... Eguals this many 2008 Dollars
2000
$1.23
2001
$1.20
2002
$1.17
2003
$1.15
2004
$1.12
2005
$1.08
2006
$1.05
2007
$1.02

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EPA Food Waste Calculator2009.xls
Food Waste Management Cost Graphs
Total Cost Over Ten Years

$1

$1

$1

$1
£
$1
J2
$1
Q
$0

$0

$0

$0

$0
1 Year	3 Years	6 Years	10 Years
Time
	Baseline Scenario	Alternative Scenario (No Source Reduction)
Total Savings of Alternative Scenario and Source Reduction
Compared to Baseline Scenario

$1

$1

$1

$1
l/l
$1
re
$1
Q
$0

$0

$0

$0

$0
1 Year	3 Years	6 Years	10 Years
Time

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EPA Food Waste Calculator2009.xls
Food Waste Diversion Benefits
Diverting food waste has several environmental and social benefits:
Improves land use
Food waste diversion reduces demand for landfill space and preserves land for higher and better use.
Source reduction decreases the acreage of land necessary for food production and the environmental impacts
associated with farming (e.g., fertilizer and pesticide use, water pollution, and some forms of air pollution) as well
as the impacts associated with food transportation.
Fights Climate Change
The anaerobic decomposition of food waste in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) 21 times
more potent than carbon dioxide. Landfills account for 23% of US methane emissions and are the second
largest anthropogenic source of methane in the country* Diverting food from landfills and incinerators lowers
GHG emissions. Industrial Use programs that convert food oil to fuel reduce fossil fuel energy consumption and
also decrease GHG emissions.
Protects soil through composting
Compost enriches poor soils, serves as an erosion deterrent, increases the water retention capacity of the soil,
and can be used as a substitute to fossil fuel based fertilizers in some applications.
Strengthens organizations and communities
Americans throw away more than 25% of the food we prepare. Establishing a food waste diversion program
helps to feed the hungry and alleviate food shortages at food pantries and soup kitchens. Diverting food to
pantries and food rescue organizations is recognized as the right thing to do by employees and community
members. Organizations can develop good will and positive outreach programs around food waste diversion
programs.
*U.S. Emissions Inventory 2009: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2007	

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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009.xls
Environmental Benefits of Composting
TABLE 1: Quantity of Annual Food Waste Composted in the Alternative Scenario
Food Waste Category
Pounds
Tons
Pre-Consumer Prepared / Whole Foods
Pre-Consumer Trim Waste
Post-Consumer Plate Waste
Total Pounds
To view a summary of the alternative scenario, including
potential cost savings and environmental benefits, see the
Summary tab, or click this cell.	
To evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions resulting from composting your food waste according to the alternative scenario, EPA recommends that you use the WAste Reduction Model (WARM).
EPA created WARM to help solid waste planners and organizations track and voluntarily report greenhouse gas emissions reductions from several different waste management practices. The latest version of
WARM is available both as a Web-based calculator and as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and can be accessed at:
http://www.epa.aov/climatechanae/wvcd/waste/calculatorsAA/arm home.html
Similar to the Food Waste Management Cost Calculator, WARM requires you to enter baseline and alternative management scenarios. To estimate potential GHG reductions from composting activities based
on the alternative food waste scenario, enter total quantity composted in tons from Table 1 (above) into WARM'S Baseline (Step 1) "Tons Landfilled" column for food scraps. Then, enter the same quantity into
the Alternative Management Scenario (Step 2) into the "Tons Composted" column for food scraps. To view results, set the remainder of WARM'S assumptions for landfilling characteristics and transport
distance. WARM provides you with tips to set these settings.	
Using compost can reduce or eliminate the need to apply fertilizers and pesticides on lawns, gardens, and other landscaping. Table 2 shows potential reductions in environmental impacts resulting from
composting under the alternative scenario. The emissions reduction factors, developed using life-cycle assessment (LCA) methods, assume that composting will result in a 50% reduction and fertilizer use. The
environmental impact categories are presented in terms of the equivalent pounds of a common pollutant (e.g., carcinogens are measured in pounds of benzene equivalent). For more information on LCA
methodology, see:
http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/lcaccess/index.html	

Environmental
Impact Category
Description
Factor*
(Lbs / Ton
Unit
Prepared / Whole
Foods
(Lbs)
Pre-Consumer Trim
Waste
(Lbs)
Post-Consumer
Plate Waste
(Lbs)
Total
(Lbs)
Particulates
Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small
particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including aci<
(such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. PM 2.5
represents 2.5 micrometer particulate matter. For information on the health effects of PM, see
http://www.epa.gov/oar/particlepollution/health.html, or click this cell.
S
1.3
PM2.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Toxics
In this analysis, potential toxics reduction is measured in equivalents of toluene, a highly toxic
chemical typically used in the production of gasoline and other hydrocarbons. For information on th
toxicity and heath hazards of toluene, see http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/toluene.html, or click thi
cell.
739.1
Toluene
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Carcinogens
The term "carcinogen" refers to agents that directly promote or cause cancer. In this analysis,
potential carcinogen reductions are measured in equivalents of benzene, a common cancer-causinc
agent found in gasoline and other chemicals. For more information on the health effects of benzene
see http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/benzene.html, or click this cell.
0.3
Benzene
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Eutrophication
Eutrophication is a process whereby water bodies, such as lakes, estuaries, or slow-moving stream;
receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant and algae growth. This enhanced growth,
often called an algal bloom, reduces dissolved oxygen in the water when dead plant material
decomposes and can cause other organisms to die. In this analysis, reduction in potential
eutrophication is measured in nitrogen (a common nutrient) equivalents. For more information on
eutrophication, see http://toxics.usgs.gov/definitions/eutrophication.html, or click this cell.
5.2
Nitrogen
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Acidification
Acidification results from depositing of acids, which originate from anthropogenic emissions of the
three main pollutants: sulfur dioxide (S02), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ammonia (NH3). Acid
deposition leads to effects on soil, water bodies, vegetation, buildings and infrastructure. In this
analysis, reduced potential for acidification is measured in equivalents of S02. For more informatioi
on acid deposition, see http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/, or click this cell.
5.8
S02
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Ecosystem
Toxicity
Ecosystem toxicity is defined as the potential of a chemical released into the environment to cause
harm to plants or animals. In this analysis, reduction in ecosystem toxicity are measured in
equivalents of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), common systemic herbicide used in the
control of broadleaf weeds. For more information on the environmental impacts of 2,4-D, see
http://epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/24d_fs.htm, or click this cell.
4.5
2,4-D
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
Source: Morris, Jeffery, Sound Resource Management, "Documentation for the Valuation of Environmental Benefits of Recycling and Composting Material." June 30, 2008.

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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009a.xls
Food Waste Management Calculator Results
Based on your selections and inputs, the most environmentally-friendly and cost-effective food waste management scenario for you to employ at your facility is
as follows:
Food Waste Type
Food Waste Diversion Strategy
Non-Perishable Food Waste
Disposal
Pre-Consumer Prepared/Whole Food Waste
Disposal
Pre-Consumer Trim Waste
Disposal
Post-Consumer Plate Waste
Disposal
Yellow Grease
Disposal
Congratulations! Based on your inputs, you would source reduce 0 pounds of non-perishables, 0 pounds of pre-consumer prepared/whole foods,
0 pounds of pre-consumer trim waste, and 0 pounds of post-consumer plate waste for a total of 0 pounds annually.
If you employ the management methods listed above, your facility would save roughly 0 after 1 year and 0 after 10 years.
Annually, based the quantity of food waste composted, your facility could potentially reduce the following:
-Particulates equivalent to reducing 0 pounds of PM2.5, which has been linked to respiratory and heart disease. Reducing this level of PM2.5 emissions is
equivalent to removing 0 cars off the road for one year.
-Toxics equivalent to 0 pounds of toluene, a toxic chemical that has been found to have acute, long-term, and developmental effects on human heath.
-Carcinogens equivalent to 0 pounds of a benzene, a toxic chemical proven to cause leukemia in humans.
-Eutrophication equivalent to 0 pounds of nitrogen, commonly used as a nutrient in fertilizers.
-Acidification equivalent to 0 pounds of sulfur dioxide (S02) per year. S02 has been linked to acid rain, which damages trees, crops, historic buildings, and
monuments; and makes soils, lakes, and streams acidic. This level of S02 emissions is equal to the amount of S02 generated
during the production of 0 Kilowatt-Hours of electricity at the most polluting power plant (in terms of S02) in the US.
-Ecosystems toxicity equivalent to 0 pounds of 2,4-D, a commonly used agricultural and residential pesticide.

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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009a.xls
Back to Inputs Tab
Food Waste
References, Definitions, and Additional Resources
Food leftovers are the single-largest component of the waste stream by weight in the United States. Food waste includes uneaten food and food
preparation scraps from residences or households, commercial establishments such restaurants, and institutional sources such as school cafeterias.
Americans throw away more than 25 percent of the food we prepare, about 96 billion pounds of food waste each year. In total, the nation spends
about 1 billion dollars a year to dispose of food waste.
Food Waste Recovery Hierarchy
EPA has developed a food waste recovery hierarchy to illustrate how productive use can be made of excess food. The hierarchy emphasizes
practices that provide the greatest ecological, economic, and social benefits, with disposal as the last option.
Source Reduction - Reduce the volume of food waste generated by aligning
food supply more closely with food demand.
Feed Hungry People - Donate extra food to food banks, soup kitchens and
shelters. For more information, refer to EPA's guide titled "Feeding the Hungry
and Reducing Solid Waste through Food Recovery" at
http://www.epa.aov/epawaste/conserve/materials/organics/pubs/wast not.pdf
Feed Animals - Provide food to farmers to use as animal feed.
Industrial Uses - Provide fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) for biodiesel
production or certain types of food scraps for rendering.
Composting - Convert food scraps into a nutrient rich soil amendment
through aerobic decomposition. For more information, refer to EPA's "Guide to
Commercial Food Composting" at:
http://www.epa.aov/epawaste/conserve/materials/oraanics/food/fd-guide.htm
Source Reduction
Feed Hungry People
Feed Animals
Industrial II
Co niu (j sling
Source Reduction and Food Waste Tracking
Source reduction is the practice of reducing the overall volume of food waste generated. Typically, facilities identify and eliminate excess food waste
through changes in food purchasing, storage, handling, and use. Source reduction leads directly to cost savings, resulting from avoided purchases
and subsequent waste hauling fees. By separating food waste, businesses can inventory their excess food supply and implement appropriately
targeted source reduction strategies. Facilities may track food waste through paper tracking or more sophisticated automated tracking systems.
Paper tracking is typically not expensive, but may be time consuming. See the Waste Logbook tab for paper tracking template. Automated systems
can reduce tracking time and help target specific areas (e.g., purchasing, spoilage, trim waste) for source reduction. For one example of an
automated food waste tracking system, see:
http://www.leanpath.com/lpweb/index2.htm
For additional food waste tracking tips and tricks, see:
http://blog.leanpath.com/7page id=618
Note: Identifying these websites does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of their products or services.
Food Waste Diversion Methods
Food Rescue
Food Rescue programs focus on the recovery of prepared meals and other perishable foods. For general information about this class of food
recovery program and for details about the food preparation and delivery requirements, see:
http://feedingamerica.org/partners/product-partners/perishable-food.aspx
Food Banks
Traditional food bank programs focus on recovering and collecting non-perishable food items, generally distressed, surplus, or unsaleable products
from grocery stores and supermarkets. Some food banks will also recover fresh produce. For general information about this class of programs, see:
http://feedingamerica.org/partners/product-partners/distressed-unsaleable-product.aspx
Food Diversion to Animal Feed
There are few formal programs to facilitate the diversion of food waste to animal feed, though conditions and available resources can vary throughout
the country. To locate an interested livestock farmer, potential donors should begin by contacting a local university agricultural extension office or
their county agricultural commissioner's office. General information for those interested in this management method is provided by the California
Integrated Waste Management Board:
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/FoodWaste/AnimalFeed/
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EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009a.xls
Industrial Uses - Yellow Grease
Recovery of yellow grease to make biodiesel is an increasingly available option. Restaurants, kitchens, and other commercial food establishments
may be able to locate a biodiesel company willing to pick-up their used yellow grease and convert those materials into biodiesel fuel. These
companies will often provide the pick-up service free of charge. To identify a company, do an Internet search for the name of your city and "biodiesel
collection." As an example of yellow grease collection service, information about two biodiesel companies in New York and Southern California is
available at the following links:
http://nvc.tristatebiodiesel.com/collect.htm
http://www.newleafbiofuel.com/oilCollection/commitment.html
Note: Identifying these websites does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of their products or services.
On-Site Outdoor Composting
On-site composting can be done using two mechanisms: the traditional compost pile, discussed here, or through an in-vessel composter, discussed
below. Given the availability of appropriate space and volume of appropriate wastes, certain facilities may already have a functional on-site compost
pile or they may be interested in starting such a pile. Introductory information about the compost pile method, including necessary ingredients and
applicable wastes, can be found at:
http://www.epa.aov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/bv compost.htm
On-Site In-Vessel Composting
In-vessel composting is a process of composting in enclosed reactors such as metal tanks, through which air flow and temperature are controlled.
There are many in-vessel composters that can be used on-site in commercial and institutional applications. Learn more at:
http://www.epa.aov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/vessel.htm
If your facility generates over 500 pounds of food waste per day and you need site-specific cost data for in-vessel composting, you may want to contac
the manufacturers below or contact a provider that services your area:
Green Mountain Technologies http://www.gmt-organic.com/
NaturTech Composting	http://www.composter.com/composting/naturtech/
BWOrganics, Inc.	http://www.bworganics.com/
Note: Identifying these websites does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of their products or services.
Off-Site Composting
Taking organics to a composting facility depends on the accessibility of local composting sites that will accept food and other organics. To find out
about composting sites in your area, contact your state or local department of environmental protection, public works, or equivalent that has
responsibility for solid waste. You can also use the following website to obtain a partial listing of composting facilities in your area:
http://www.findacomposter.com/
Other Considerations
Liability Protection
The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects individuals and corporations from liability when they make good faith donation:
of food and grocery products to non-profit organizations for distribution to needy individuals. Additional information about the Act is available through
Feeding America, at:
http://feedingamerica.org/partners/product-partners/protecting-our-partners.aspx
Tax Deductions
Companies can usually take a tax deduction for donating food, although the amount of the deductions can vary greatly depending upon a number of
factors encountered by the company:
-	Whether the company is a "C" corporation, "S" corporation/partnership, or non-incorporated.
-	What method of accounting is used for costs and expenses incurred in producing or acquiring the contributed food.
Donors are advised to consult with their tax advisor; overview information is available from Feeding America:
http://feedingamerica.org/partners/product-partners/tax-benefits.asp>
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Food Waste Management Cost Data
EPA Food Waste Calculator 2009a.xls





Supermarkets
n/a
5 to 45
1 to 10
Data provided by Priscilla Hayes, Environmental
Coordinator, Rutgers University on Oct. 24, 2008
Hotels
1 to 1.5
10 to 30
2 to 7
Catering Halls
1 to 1.5
8 to 30
2 to 7
Institutions
0.75 to 1
5 to 30
1 to 7
Restaurants
0.5 to 1.5
4 to 20
1 to 5
Hospitals
0.5 to 1
8 to 14
2 to 3
Nursing Homes
0.75 to 1
3 to 9
1 to 2
Corporate Offices
0.5 to 0.75
3 to 8
1 to 2






Initial Cost
$
$39,000.00
John Willis, BWOrganics, November 4, 2008.
These figures will not be accurate for facilities
generating over 500 pounds of food waste per
day. If your facility generates more than that
amount, please enter your own data in the green
cells to the left.
Energy Cost
$/ton
$40.00
Dr. Nicholas Smith-Sebasto, Montclair University.
October 23, 2008
Repair Cost
$/Year
$250.00
John Willis, BW Organics, November 4, 2008.
Maintenance Cost
$/Year
$120.00
John Willis, BW Organics, November 4, 2008.
Labor Cost
$/ton
$53.41
Dr. Nicholas Smith-Sebasto, Montclair University.
October 23, 2008
Pulping Costs





Initial Cost
$
$24,062
In-Sink-Erator Customer Service. October 16,
2008. This data is for the In-Sink-Erator WX-300.
In-Sink-Erator was unable to provide a cost
estimate for the energy cost of the WX-300.
Therefore, the value that Hobart provided for the
WastePro 1200 is used for both the WastePro
1200 and the WX-300
Capacity
pounds/hour
700
Energy Cost
$/ton hydrated
food
$1.07
Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009.





Initial Cost
$
$40,000
Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009. This data is
for the WastePro 1200

Capacity
pounds/hour
1,250
Energy Cost
$/ton hydrated
food
$1.07








Communication with Allen Haskin, Hobart, from
Hobart tests of the WPS have showed the weight



August 11, 2009 to August 24, 2009
of the pulped waste are reduced by 10-30
Reduction
%
20%

percent





Gas and Vehicle Maintenance
$/Mile
$0,585
U.S. General Services Administration. Privately
Owned Vehicle Mileage Reimbursement Rates.
August 1, 2008.

Driver Wage
$/mile
$0.33
Arabe, K.C., Driver Pay Significantly Affects
Safety: Industrial Market Trends. December 12,
2002.
If you have your own data on driver wage, enter il
in cell C21.

Initial Cost of toters, printing
materials, and training
Initial Cost to
Separate 1 ton
of food waste
per day
$1,100
Massachusetts Supermarket Composting
Handbook, p. 3-5.
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/smhand
bk.pdf
Annual Cost of 30-gallon trash
liner bags
Annual Cost to
Separate 1 ton
of food waste
per day
$1,200

Wage
$9.54
May 2007 National Occupational and Wage Estimate for Food
Preparation and Serving. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
http://www.bls.goV/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#b35-0000





Pounds food


Food Waste to Compost
waste
Pounds Compost
0.2
Yellow Grease
Gallons
Pounds
7.7
Inflation Adjustment Table
One Dollar in... Eguals this many 2008 Dollars
2000
$1.23
2001
$1.20
2002
$1.17
2003
$1.15
2004
$1.12
2005
$1.08
2006
$1.05
2007
$1.02

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Waste Logbook
Sample Waste Logbook
Date:	Weather:
Notes/Special Events Today:	
Time Recorded By Food Type Loss Reason
# of Portions # of Quarts # of Pounds


















































































































































































0
0
0
Logbook provided by LeanPath, Inc.
Provided by LeanPath, Inc.

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